A bike leans against Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, Louisiana, during the 2015 Cycle Zydeco tour. Pam LeBlanc photo
Imagine a festival where every push of the pedal brings you closer to the heart-thumping rhythms of Louisiana music, the tantalizing aromas of Cajun cuisine, and the free-flowing spirit of Creole culture. That’s Cycle Zydeco, a unique rolling celebration that seamlessly blends cycling with the vibrant traditions of South Louisiana. For those seeking an immersive cultural experience with a healthy dose of fun, this event is a must-do, especially for anyone with a love for zydeco dance.
Scheduled for April 12-16, this year’s Cycle Zydeco is set to welcome between 800 and 1,000 participants, all ready to fuel their adventure with local delicacies like spicy jambalaya and freshly boiled crawfish. The route, a carefully curated path through the scenic backroads of South Louisiana – the very birthplace of zydeco music – promises an unforgettable journey.
“The beauty of Cycle Zydeco lies in its relaxed pace,” explains Scott Schilling, president of TRAIL, the organization behind this beloved event. “It’s about cycling from one vibrant town to another, each stop offering a fresh taste of live music, incredible food, and the authentic Cajun and Creole lifestyle. While the cycling is fantastic, the real priorities are indulging in delicious meals, getting lost in zydeco dance, and savoring local drinks. The bike ride? That’s just your joyful transportation to the next party.”
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Adding to the festive atmosphere, Grammy-winning zydeco legend Chubby Carrier, a true icon of the genre, often graces the event. He embodies the spirit of Cycle Zydeco, leading the pack with his infectious energy and passion for zydeco. Alongside him, a lineup of talented musicians skilled in the art of rubboards, fiddles, and accordions ensures a constant stream of authentic zydeco sounds throughout the festival. Each day, cyclists can choose their own adventure, opting for a supported main route of approximately 40 miles or extending their ride with a longer, 60-plus mile option.
Embracing the Laid-Back Rhythm of Cycle Zydeco and Zydeco Dance
Gretchen Sanders relaxes after a day of riding at Cycle Zydeco. Pam LeBlanc photo
Forget about speed records or grueling climbs; Cycle Zydeco is all about embracing a slower pace and maximizing the fun. It’s a celebration of culture and community, where the only competition is who can have the most memorable experience. The terrain is gentle, perfectly suited for leisurely exploration, with the most challenging incline being the occasional highway overpass. This relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for focusing on the true essence of the event: the culture, the food, and of course, zydeco dance.
“Consider the bike ride as your warm-up for the dance floor,” Schilling playfully suggests, highlighting the integral connection between cycling and zydeco dance at the festival. The energy expended on the bike simply prepares you to fully immerse yourself in the exhilarating rhythms of zydeco music.
It’s all about food, drink and music during Cycle Zydeco. Photo courtesy Cycle Zydeco
The specific route of Cycle Zydeco changes each year, ensuring a fresh experience for returning participants. This year’s festivities kick off with a lively welcome party on Wednesday night at Wildcat Brothers Distillery in Lafayette, a local gem crafting rum from Louisiana sugarcane. The ride culminates on Sunday, with a visit to the Scott Boudin Festival and a final celebratory meal back in Lafayette. In between, participants are treated to a rich tapestry of Louisiana experiences, including a captivating swamp tour at McGee’s Landing, tours of local breweries, a traditional crawfish boil in Breaux Bridge, and, naturally, a plethora of live music venues showcasing the best of zydeco. Food is a central element, with cyclists encountering mouthwatering plates of jambalaya, classic red beans and rice, and even adventurous options like fried alligator. For a true taste of Cajun flavors, the menu includes Cajun Corn Maque Choux, a delightful mix of peppers, corn, and bacon grease. And to keep spirits high, a traveling bar will be on hand, serving refreshing Bloody Marys, mimosas, and a selection of local beers and spirits.
“Fingers crossed, we’ll be able to bring back the raw oysters this year as well,” Schilling adds, hinting at even more culinary delights.
Unforgettable Moments and the Spirit of Zydeco
Gretch Sanders, left, and Pam LeBlanc, right, help cook up a batch of crawfish during Cycle Zydeco on April 27, 2015. Photo by Pam LeBlanc
Participating in Cycle Zydeco creates memories that linger long after the ride is over. My own experience, pedaling through the lush Louisiana countryside with my friend Gretchen, is filled with such moments. One morning stands out in particular: losing ourselves in the infectious energy of Fred’s Lounge in Mamou, a legendary zydeco hotspot. There, we witnessed the charming Tante Sue, a petite woman with a strong personality, playfully enforcing a “no-kissing” rule with her homemade sign and cautioning dancers against using the cigarette machine as a dance platform. We also had the unique experience of touring a local sausage factory, observing the fascinating process of sausage making. Another highlight was attending a live taping of the “Rendez-vous de Cajuns” radio program at the historic Liberty Theater, where the Cajun French accents were as rich and sweet as Steen’s syrup, Louisiana’s beloved alternative to molasses.
Other days brought encounters with adorable baby goats at a local farm, serene swamp tours under the shade of the legendary Evangeline Oak, and explorations of charming towns like Sunset, the self-proclaimed “Rubboard Capital of the World.” And in Breaux Bridge, the “Crawfish Capital,” we found ourselves immersed in a truly authentic experience: helping to cook the crawfish for the festival feast, stirring massive vats of boiling crustaceans with giant wooden paddles. These diverse experiences, woven together with the constant thread of zydeco music and zydeco dance, create the unique magic of Cycle Zydeco.
Cycle Zydeco’s Growing Appeal and the Enduring Allure of Zydeco Dance
Cyclists make their way down a road during Cycle Zydeco. Photo courtesy Cycle Zydeco
Since its inception in 2002, Cycle Zydeco has seen remarkable growth, more than doubling in size since my first ride in 2015. The average participant age is 61, reflecting the event’s broad appeal to those seeking a culturally rich and active travel experience. Participants have the option to camp or stay in hotels along the route, with convenient shuttle services provided between designated accommodations and the daily ride starting points. This logistical ease further enhances the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere of the festival.
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“Once you arrive at Cycle Zydeco, you can park your car and forget about it for the entire event,” Schilling emphasizes, highlighting the seamless and self-contained nature of the experience.
If you’re considering joining Cycle Zydeco, prepare to fully immerse yourself in the unique charm of Acadiana. This ride is less about racking up miles and more about savoring the culture, embracing the rhythm of zydeco dance, and connecting with the heart and soul of Louisiana. It’s about slowing down, soaking it all in, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And that’s precisely why I’m already looking forward to my return, eager to once again experience the infectious joy of Cycle Zydeco and the irresistible pull of zydeco dance.
